N: Hooray! Another update. :D I'm surprised at how long this chapter turned out to be. It's my longest one yet! I know you're itching to read but I just want to share some songs. Aside from writing, I love music. My Subaru-Ai theme song is 'Bloom' by The Paper Kites while my Ai theme song is 'Home' by Gabrielle Aplin. Listen! It will give you the feels : Enjoy the chapter!
Ai was surprised to see Subaru unabashed on her doorstep. "May I come in?", he politely asked. Ai subconsciously stepped backward upon hearing this and Subaru was able to enter their living room. His eyes took a sweep of the entire room. It was relatively spacious, with wooden floors and sliding glass doors that lead out back. He sat down on the couch in the middle of the room, placing his paper bag on the floor. "It's a nice place.", he noted as his hands felt the fabric of the couch. "The rotten apple has taste." His eyes were admiring the paintings by the wall, his nostrils breathing the scent from the potted plants by the corner. Ai was looking at him incredulously. What does he think is he doing? Coming to her senses, Ai grabbed him by the wrist and dragged him to the bathroom. Subaru looked back at his paper bag before being fully hauled out of the room. He was pulled past the staircase and into the door by his right through the corridor.
"Is this your new favorite place?", he asked while looking around the bathroom. It was actually just a toilet with a sink and it was quite cramped. "You were also in one in Bourbon's place." Ai was still quietly observing him. She couldn't believe this was actually happening. "I can't blame you. Bathrooms are as private as you can get.", Subaru said with a smile. "We can't eat here though. That may not pass your sanitation standards."
This man, Ai thought. How can he kid around in a place like this? "Do you have a death wish or are you just absolutely insane?!", Ai finally blurted out. "This place is bugged like hell. This is the organization's territory. What in the world are you doing waltzing in here?!" The frustration from the whole day was coursing through her, pumping her veins. She didn't bother acting like everything was fine. For the first time since she moved there, she was living in reality. She can feel her eyes tearing up so she tried to compose herself. Deep breaths, she thought. No need to break down now especially in Subaru's presence. She was starting to cool down when she felt a sudden warmth - not the usual painful heat she experiences when morphing, but the cozy warmth that makes a person feel alive and loved. Subaru's arms were around her and for a moment she actually felt safe - that no one, not even the organization, can harm her.
"I'm sorry I'm late Princess.", Subaru stroked her hair. "I couldn't prevent this bad day from tormenting you." His voice was tinged with disappointment. If he wasn't the collected Subaru that he is, his voice might have broken. Ai could feel a tear drop from her eye. She didn't want to cry but every tear made her feel better, as though her worries were in each teardrop and she was eliminating them. Subaru didn't mind. He kept her in his arms until she's cried enough to wash her worries away.
"Kudo Shinichi." Spirytus whispered. "Tantei-san." Why are you and Sherry kids again? She thought of Conan's exceptional scores in class, but with the same mental ability, she mused. You share a secret with Sherry that's why she's protecting you. You can be a wonderful incentive Conan-kun. But how will I make you cooperate? A few more clicks and a lady with long brown hair appeared on the screen. "Mouri Ran." So you're the love interest. It is indeed a small world, Spirytus leaned back and smiled.
A sip. Ai's stomach was once again filled with the warm, nourishing soup that Subaru brought for her. "This soup always does wonders Subaru-san." She took another sip and felt the color rising in her cheeks. "Thank you.", she said with a smile. Subaru was watching her eat with joy, sitting across her in her underground lab. They moved there to calm Ai's nerves and it was working well. "I'm sorry I surprised you Princess.", Subaru explained. "Give me some credit though. This is former FBI.", he teased.
Ai explained what a rough day she's had - the required appearance at the party, Spirytus' discovery, and the flowers from Gin. It felt so good telling Subaru how her day went. It was like unloading the weight that's been on her shoulders, that after so long, she can finally start to stand up straight again. It was this or being cold, which was how most members of the organization coped. Ai has felt love, concern, trust and friendship in her short life as Haibara Ai. She knew this was close to impossible in the organization which is why she is cherishing every second of this conversation. It wasn't everyday that someone who actually cared was inside that house. She missed the Professor but it was too dangerous to involve him now. Subaru listened intently, giving an occasional nod, but never interrupting Ai. He was honored to be his Princess' confidante.
Ai asked Subaru how the Professor was after narrating her day. She smiled and remembered the Professor fondly as Subaru was telling her about him. She told Subaru to always keep an eye out for Professor Agasa and Subaru readily obliged. Subaru then processed all the recent news for a moment before he noted, "Why would he give you flowers though?"
"After all that information, that's what struck you?", Ai replied, smiling to herself. "It's a long story. I won't bother you with it."
"I'm not sure I want to know either.", Subaru cheerfully agreed. He discussed more about Spirytus with Ai and advised her not to decide right away. They need her and not vice versa. She has to use that to her advantage. It was quite new for Ai to hear him talk that way but she appreciated the insight. "On the party though...", Subaru slowly changed the topic. "Do you need a date?", he asked jokingly, slightly embarrassed.
Ai thanked his offer but she said she'd be fine. Vermouth was probably going to be with her most of the time. "I know you're former FBI, heck you're a former member of the organization,", Ai explained. "I appreciate you going out on a limb for me, but I would prefer you live long." She stopped right there. She didn't want to sound too sappy.
Subaru understood and was glad to have her favor. He further warned her about Vermouth. She has an agenda and it was definitely self-serving. Ai should always be on her guard. "I have invaded the system.", Subaru announced. "I can come here as swift as lightning whenever you need me." Subaru looked at Ai with eyes full of courage and determination. "You need only ask. I will do anything to protect you Princess." Ai felt the gravity of his words and it was honestly comforting. This man, she thought. This man is willing to die for me.
It was getting late and Subaru stood up and prepared to leave. "You need your rest Princess." He cleaned up the food he brought and put it back in his bag. "I'll bring you more supplies next time. Maybe we can even cook together.", he said with a smile. Ai smiled back. Subaru left the house and Ai lied down on her cot. For once, she closed her eyes and was certain her nightmares won't be around to torment her.
Rrrriiiinnngggg. Children came rushing out of their respective classrooms. They filled the corridors, the stairs and the lobbies like an army of ants. Conan and the others were getting their shoes from their respective lockers. Conan found a piece of paper in his but he quickly hid it from the others to avoid a ton of questions. He had a bad feeling about it and told the others that he needed to go to the bathroom. The others should go on ahead. "Conan doesn't eat that much. Why does he keep going to the bathroom?", Genta wondered. They have all put on their shoes. Mitsuhiko asked Haibara if she was walking home with them and she said yes much to the joy of the Detective Boys. It's all part of the act, she thought. I may as well enjoy the good company while it lasts.
The four were out of the building when Ai saw her aunt standing by the gate. Did she discover the visit yesterday?, Ai nervously thought. Ayumi noticed her features straining and she asked her what was wrong. "My aunt is here.", she whispered. "Yay! We can finally meet her.", exclaimed the boys. "Is your aunt scary Ai-chan?", Ayumi wondered. "No.", Ai explained. "I'm just surprised.", she said with a smile. Ai wanted to meet her aunt alone but the others insisted on meeting her. She gave a sigh and led them to her aunt.
Vermouth was standing by the gate, observing the four through her sunglasses. Where's silver bullet?, she wondered. The four approached her and Ai introduced them to her. "Hello children.", she greeted sweetly. "I'm pleased to meet you." The children admired Ai's beautiful aunt. She was wearing a purple wrap dress and floral espadrilles, a hat above her brown locks. Mitsuhiko thought that perhaps Ai would be as beautiful when she grows up. His cheeks blushed at the thought. "I'm sorry I have to take Ai away. We have to process her papers for our migration."
The Detective Boys were surprised to hear the word 'migration'. "Where are you going?", asked Mitsuhiko, a slight worry in his voice. "Ai-chan hasn't told you?", Vermouth exclaimed feigning surprise. She looked to Ai knowingly. Ai glared back at her. "She's coming back to England with me next school year."
"You're never coming back Ai-chan?", Ayumi's eyes were starting to get moist. "What about the Detective Boys?", said Genta. "Does Conan know?", asked Mitsuhiko. The children had lots of questions sparked by this sudden revelation. Ai let out a sigh and explained. "Nothing's final. We're just at the start of the application. We have a lot of time before us. There's no need to discuss this now."
The Detective Boys were barely convinced. Ai assured them that she will inform them when everything is final. Her aunt said they had to go and the children reluctantly said goodbye.
Vermouth held Ai's hand and they walked out of the school premises. This was the first time Ai was ever held by Vermouth and it felt incredibly awkward. There was no connection nor any sense of security and comfort. She was just a dead weight linked to Vermouth's arm. "Lighten up.", Vermouth hissed. "You're being too heavy."
"What'd you do that for?", Ai snapped. She was upset that she made the children distressed. "I just did what you obviously do not have the guts to do.", Vermouth replied. She mocked Ai's explanation about nothing being final. "You even gave them false hopes. Who's the bad guy then?"
Ai knew there was some truth in that. Still, she couldn't bring herself to imagine what her leaving would inflict on the children. They were her friends. To keep her mind off things, she changed the subject, "Why are you even here? Will you be picking me up from now on?"
"What on earth made you think that I will waste my beauty being your personal chaffeur?" Vermouth looked at her as though she said something completely absurd. I take that as a no, Ai thought, and just as well. "Where are we going then? Why did you park so far from the school?"
"You ask so many questions.", Vermouth replied with slight irritation. "You're like those children." Vermouth explained that she parked in a vacant lot because she needed Ai to morph in the car. What now?, thought Ai. "We're going shopping.", Vermouth said with a bright smile.
Conan gripped the note in his hands. I know this handwriting, he thought. I've seen this a number of times in red ink on my papers. He ran towards the faculty area and opened the door panting. He looked around for a specific table and noted the schedule posted above the table. As he was looking, Kobayashi-sensei noticed him and asked why he was around. "Are you here to excuse yourself for a day too?", she asked. Conan just stared at her, a blank expression across his face. "I guess not.", Kobayashi replied. "I thought you were asking a day off like Haibara." Conan perked up upon hearing Haibara's name. He asked when she excused herself. "Tomorrow.", replied Kobayashi. It struck him that she was getting a day off on the same day that Rin was. Kobayashi could see that he was lost in thought and she asked him what was wrong. "Nothing special. Thanks a lot Kobayashi-sensei!" With that, Conan darted off and exited the building.
Ayumi and the others waited by the gate for Conan. The shocking news was too much for them to bear and they needed to discuss it. After some time, Conan approached them. "Why are you still here?", he asked a bit surprised. "Didn't you walk home with Haibara?"
They told him that Ai was picked up by her aunt. Conan was slightly worried by this. "But that's not all. Ai-chan is leaving.", Ayumi sniffed. So they know, thought Conan. Ai was keeping it from them. Vermouth probably spilled it. Mitsuhiko asked Conan if he knew and Conan said yes to the children's disappointment. "Why didn't you tell us?", exclaimed Genta. "We're a group. We shouldn't hide these matters from each other." We've hidden a lot actually, thought Conan. The children were really affected. "I don't know much about it and it wasn't my secret to share.", Conan explained. He said that he was heading to the Professor's and asked them if they wanted to come. "He might know more about this.", he added. He knew the children were restless and it was best that he look after them until they calmed down. The Detective Boys agreed and they all headed to Professor Agasa's place.
A red Chevrolet sedan halted in front of the Mouri Detective Agency. Out came a red-haired lady who entered the office upstairs. Spirytus, thought Bourbon who caught her arrival from the other side of Café Poirot's glass window. What is she doing here? He was distracted for a second and he was brought back to his focus when a customer repeated his order once more with slight irritation. Bourbon giggled and said sorry before proceeding to the kitchen.
The doorbell rang and Ran opened the door. Kogoro was drinking his first can of beer while watching television when Rin entered. He was surprised and he hastily put down his feet from the table, turned off the TV, and in the ruckus spilled his half-filled can. "Oto-san!", complained Ran. She said sorry to Rin for the mess and asked her to sit down while she got the mop from the kitchen. Mouri straightened himself up and sat across Rin asking her why she was around. "I actually want to talk to Ran-san.", she said with a smile. Kogoro was a bit surprised to hear this as was Ran who just came out bringing the mop on one hand. "Ran!", Kogoro called her. "Ms. Rin wants to talk to you. Leave the mopping to me." He's so hardworking when there are beautiful women around, thought Ran. She handed him the mop and sat down across Rin.
"What do you need Ms. Rin? Is this about Conan? He's not yet home.", Ran asked with some concern. Rin laughed inwardly. Surely, she thought. "I'm here to ask you about Kudo Shinichi." Ran was shocked. Shinichi has been gone for so long, working on a case after another, that people barely asked her about him anymore. Why does Rin want to know him? Why does he even know him?, thought Ran. Still, she couldn't help a slight blush to color her cheeks. "That detective brat?!", exclaimed Kogoro. There he was a great detective and this lady was asking about that boy. "Do you have a case for him?", asked Ran. "He's away working on a case right now but I can mail him for you."
"It's not a case.", Rin explained. "If it was, I wouldn't have to look far. Your father's right here."Kogoro stood proudly upon hearing this. "The Great Detective Kogoro Mouri is always at your service!", he proudly exclaimed. "I heard he was a Sherlock Holmes fan.", Spirytus added further. "I'm a fan too and I was just curious to meet him. I'm thinking of putting up a club or something." Ran let out a sigh of relief. Nothing serious, she thought. "He's not around right now but I can give you his email address."
"What about his home address?", inquired Rin. Ran explained that he doesn't currently stay there. She has a copy of the key though because she cleans the place regularly. Kogoro grunted upon hearing this. "There's someone staying there at present. His name is Subaru.", Ran added. "He's a graduate student and I think he's a Holmes fan too." Rin asked if Subaru and Kudo were related and Ran said no. "Kudo just lent him the house cause his apartment caught fire.", she explained. Rin was satisfied with the information she has obtained. She stood up and thanked them. "Already?", expressed Kogoro with slight disappointment. He just finished mopping his puddle of beer. "We weren't able to serve you tea!", Ran exclaimed. Rin said it was alright and that she has disturbed them enough. Kogoro told her she was never an inconvenience and that she should feel free to visit anytime. Rin thanked them again. She bowed slightly and left the office.
The boutique was empty except for Vermouth and Ai. Branded clothes lined every rack by the wall and the most beautiful dresses were on display at the center. Vermouth reserved the place just for the two of them to shop in peace. "I want all the personnel's attention on me when I shop.", she told Ai. Ai was wearing a yellow jumpsuit which Vermouth brought for her. She was standing tall on a circular platform and the staff including Vermouth was scrutinizing her. It was awkward being studied like that and she was still shaking off the slight dizziness from morphing. A man approached her and started taking her measurements. She was stiff as a tree as the tape came across different segments of her body. Vermouth ordered Ai some tea seeing her state. "Shopping should be enjoyed. You look like a dead tree.", Vermouth stroked her forehead as if Ai's lethargic appearance was already giving her a headache. "In the midst of this beauty, I can't stand to see you. Perk up." Ai got down from the platform and sipped some tea. It made her feel better by the second. "What do you expect? It takes a lot to turn to this size you know.", she retorted. "That's more like it.", smiled Vermouth. "You are a reflection of me at that party. You should look amazing."
The staff prepared a short fashion show for the two. The theme for Vermouth's party was spring. The latest summer/spring collection was put on by the models who strutted one by one in front of the two. Florals, pastels, and breezy fabrics came one after the other. "You have a flat chest but you have a small waist and a slim figure.", Vermouth was thinking of Ai's physique and was carefully thinking which dress would best fit her. "I want the dark blue floral dress from Zara's summer collection.", Ai announced. Vermouth looked to her, slightly surprised. "I didn't know you speak fashion.", Vermouth pleasantly noted. "That's a decent choice, not very stunning, but simple. Is that what you want?" Ai nodded and the staff brought out the dress for Ai to try. Vermouth chose an indigo lace dress from Burberry and she tried it on too.
The two came out from their respective dressing rooms quite pleased with themselves. They looked at each other and approved of their dress choices. Haibara requested for Fusae brand accessories and the staff obliged. "Don't hold back.", Vermouth winked at her. "This is the organization's money we're spending." Vermouth went to the other side of the room and pointed at almost every accessory that caught her eye. She certainly doesn't, thought Ai.
Professor Agasa was surprised to be visited by the Detective Boys. The children rushed in his house, rants continuously pouring out from their mouths. "What's the matter Shinichi?", he asked Conan in a whisper. Conan explained what happened in school as they got home. Professor Agasa understood and sighed. "But there's more Professor.", Conan whispered. "I'll tell you after the kids leave." Bad news, Agasa thought. His forehead was beginning to wrinkle with worry even before hearing about it. This wasn't the first time he'll hear unfortunate news. This was a sure consequence of being connected to Kudo and Haibara but somehow he could not bring himself to get used to it. They were like children to him and he worries constantly just like any parent. "Do what you have to do.", he told Conan. "I will deal with the children." Conan blurted heartfelt thanks and proceeded to the Professor's office to do his research.
Agasa prepared snacks for the children which greatly calmed them down. He then discussed Haibara with them. He missed her so much and he was eager to hear about her and her new home. The children were equally enthusiastic in sharing. They narrated their visit to Haibara's house. Genta stressed the fact that they didn't have food and Ayumi expressed her admiration for Ai's room. Mitsuhiko proceeded to share their encounter with Ai's aunt in school and the revelation that they were migrating to England. The Detective Boys were a bit disappointed that the Professor knew about it too, but even moreso that he only knew as much. Hearing this made the Professor miss Ai even more. The children can notice Agasa's longing to see Ai and it made them feel slightly bad for making him feel that way. They assured him that overall Ai was doing alright and he didn't need to worry. The Professor said the children should start going home before it gets late. He offered to drive them home but the children told him he should just rest. They asked where Conan was and Agasa said that he was resting. The children took their leave and started their walk home.
Ayumi noted how much Professor Agasa missed Ai as they were walking. The others agreed and they resolved to visit the Professor more frequently to help him deal with his loneliness. If they will miss Ai, he will miss Ai even more, they thought. The children brainstormed ideas to help him feel better as they walked. At least their mind was off Ai's departure for the time being.
Conan was looking at a hotel's schedule when the Professor entered his office. Conan asked about the children and Agasa said that they left the house in a better disposition. Conan let out a sigh of relief. He looked at the Professor and saw that he was the one now in a lonely state. He asked what the children discussed and Agasa couldn't help but air out his concerns for Ai. "Will she be alright there Shinichi? How can we help her?"
Conan explained that Ai was truly in a tough situation but there wasn't much they can do without making things even worse. He assured the Professor that Ai was a survivor and he need not worry too much. "We're not children anymore Hakase.", Conan teased. The Professor smiled. But that's really what you are, he thought. Instead of dwelling on his loneliness, Agasa asked Shinichi what happened.
Conan told Agasa about the note he got that afternoon. He got it out from his pocket and showed it to the Professor.
'I know your secret... Kudo-kun.'
Agasa was shocked. "Shinichi, who gave you this? Who knows?" Conan said that he knew the handwriting used on the note. It was his English teacher's. "English teacher?", Agasa wondered. Conan told Agasa about their new English teacher, Rin-sensei. "Do you think she's a member of the organization?", Agasa asked. "Probably.", Conan said grimly. He knew how close Rin was with the Mouris and this definitely disturbed him. "I also came here to warn you Professor. Keep up your guard." My guard is always up, thought the Professor. I'll die early because of all the stress you kids give me!
Conan explained that he looked up Rin's schedule at the faculty office after realizing that the penmanship on the note was hers. The fact that she had a common day off with Haibara deeply disturbed him that's why he searched for events that will happen tomorrow. He saw a gathering that was going to be held at a hotel on the same day. "Are you sure this is the one?", Agasa asked. Conan said that it was the most probable one. "We have to go there Shinichi.", Agasa said with determination. Conan smiled. You truly care for Ai Professor, he thought.
Agasa told Conan to have his dinner there. "Maybe you should spend the night here Shinichi?", offered the Professor. "I'm not sure if Ran will allow. I don't think I want her to know about our trip tomorrow." Agasa told him to call up Ran. The Professor then went to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Conan was thinking of an excuse for Ran when his phone rang. Shit, he thought, this is her. He answered the phone with his usual childlike cheer and explained that he was at the Professor's at the moment.
"What are you doing there? What time will you come home?", Ran asked. Conan replied that he decided to visit the Professor with his friends because he was lonely with Haibara moving out. Ran replied a sympathetic 'Oh.' "Can I sleep here tonight Ran-neechan? I will come tomorrow after school, I promise.", Conan added. Ran said yes with a little hesitation and told him to be a good companion for the professor. Conan was about to end the call when Ran added, "Oh, and Rin-sensei visited us today." Conan's heart started beating faster, droplets of sweat were forming on his forehead. "Wh-what did she want?", he said grimly. "She asked about Shinichi." Conan froze. Ran kept repeating his name and asked him what was wrong. Conan replied that he was just having a slight stomachache. "Are you alright? Do you need medicine?", Ran inquired. Conan assured her that he'll be fine and asked more about Rin's visit. Ran narrated their conversation to him although she found Conan's heightened interest odd. "Is there a problem Conan-kun?", she asked again. "Nothing in particular.", he replied. "Shinichi-niichan wants to keep a low profile for his case right? I was just thinking about that." Ran said he was right but she thinks there's no need to worry since it was Rin-sensei anyway. Ran could tell that Conan was unwell. She told him to rest well and ended the call.
Conan could not believe what he just heard. She sure works fast, he thought. And they are all so trusting of her! I need to warn Ran. He got out his Shinichi phone, placed his bow tie over his mouth, and dialed Ran's number.
"Don't drink too much boys.", Spirytus warned as she gestured the approaching waiter to leave. Vodka was slightly disappointed, looking at his almost empty glass. He appreciated his next sip even more. "There's a party tomorrow. The big announcement will be made.", Spirytus said with enthusiasm. "How's the scientist courtship going Gin?" Gin coolly looked up from his glass and said that he was working on it. "He's also working on something else.", added Vodka. Gin glared at him and he fell silent. Spirytus asked him about it and he said it was not very important. "Don't worry. Everything I do is for the organization.", he added. "If this is murder, I'd like to be an audience.", Spirytus said with childlike eagerness. "It's been a while since I saw you in action."
"You'll have the best seat.", Gin replied with a sly smile.
N: How did you find the chapter? Thank you so much for the reviews. I appreciate your thoughts and take them all into consideration. Did you like the songs I suggested? Which songs give you the feels? I would love to listen to them. Also share your groove songs. I like listening to them when doing chores haha. I'll share mine in the next chapter. Get ready to party!